Alumni Spotlight (Wall of success 2016-'18)

ROBYN YOUNG, ‘97

Robyn majored in Business Administration (a Bachelor’s of Science degree) at Hilbert, and now is the Chief Executive Officer of the Great Erie Federal Credit Union. She has held this position since 2003 (briefly holding the title of Chief Financial Officer, in 2002). Before and after her academic tenure, Robyn worked for the Riverside Credit Union. She eventually ascended to C.E.O. of this institution, which was her first executive post in the financial sector.

“Every class, [and] every classroom experience prepared me for my future role. I enjoyed my classes and all the practical knowledge that would serve me throughout my career. Today, I continue to draw upon valuable skills that were achieved through my Hilbert experience.”

Robyn is married with two children.

At Great Erie, Robyn manages an $86 million franchise. She uses her position at Great Erie to assist the less fortunate in society. Robyn was involved with Jesse's Children Health Mission, which brought groups of domestic volunteer doctors, dentists and optometrists to the Dominican Republic. In 2011, she personally delivered 500 pairs of glasses to a local Dominican community.

Robin is also a graduate of the Wisconsin School of Business (Univ. of WI- Madison), where she graduated in 2000 with a Credit Union Management certificate degree. She has been on the New York Credit Union Foundation’s Board of Trustees for many years.

AUTUMN LEE-JEFFRIES, ‘07

Autumn is a 2007 graduate of Hilbert’s Psychology department. She also minored in Criminal Justice, concentrating on Domestic Violence. She works for Quest, Inc. in the Tampa-area, where she a Training Coordinator. Quest helps individuals with disabilities accrue the training necessary to be industrial and cultural change agents.

This is Autumn’s fourth job in developmental services. She was also a Youth Mentor with Gay & Lesbian Youth Services, a Direct Support Professional at Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled, and a Director of Residential Services with Autistic Services, Inc. During her time at Hilbert, Autumn competed in cross-country and played basketball.

“The relationship I built with the professors, support team, and peers allowed me to have a fulfilled experience at Hilbert. I wasn’t just a number. The campus knew me by name. School was never easy for me, but I had the support of EVERYONE to ensure that I was receiving the assistance that I needed to be successful!”

Autumn is married with one son. Autumn was an esteemed member of the Hilbert Alumni Board during the 2012-’13 school year.

JONATHAN T. RAJEWSKI, ‘04

Jon is a 2004 graduate of Hilbert’s Forensic Science department, majoring in Economic Crime Investigation. He also possesses degrees from Erie Community College (A.S.) and Champlain College (M.S.). The latter of which is his current employer. Jon is an Associate Professor for the Burlington (VT) school, representing their Division of Information Technology & Services. He teaches courses in Computer & Digital Forensics.

Jon is also the Director and Principal Investigator for Champlain College’s Center for Digital Investigation. His work has been featured on ABC News, and in the Huffington Post. Jonathan presented a Ted Talk in Buffalo two years ago titled, “How the Internet of Things is Making My Job Easier”. The Princeton Review ranked him amongst the country’s top 300 professors (2012). Jon is also employed by the Vermont Internet Crimes Task Force as a Computer Forensic Examiner. He is available to schedule as a private consultant. Jon formerly worked as a Government contractor in forensic examinations.

Rajewski is a true blue leader in his craft. He has been designated a Certified Fraud Examiner through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and is also certified by the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners, as well as other institutions.

“While attending Hilbert College, I had the pleasure of learning from faculty practitioners who were experts in their fields. This also helped me land an internship with the New York State Attorney General’s Office, which ultimately opened the door to my first job out of college.”

Jonathan’s blog can be viewed at jonrajewski.com. He is also on twitter @jtrajewski. He lives in Vermont with his family. Jon’s main avocation is running. He has completed five marathons!

DOUG SMITH, ‘78

Doug Smith graduated in 1978 with an A.A.S. in Business Administration. He has ascended the corporate ranks to his current position of Division Vice President for the upstate New York market of North American Breweries, Inc. Smith has also been a successful salesman for Labatt USA. He is based in Buffalo with his family.

Doug has been a spirited giver to several campaigns across campus. He is an alum of the Hilbert baseball team (1977-’78), and even served on the athletics department’s board of directors. His other educational endeavors have included a B.S. in Business Administration and Management (1980) from the University at Buffalo.

Smith has been involved with the March of Dimes, and is working with communities of adults who have developmental disabilities. “The values that the Franciscan Sisters teach and live are important to me. For many years in your life, you are a taker. You take education. You take a paycheck. You take experiences. Then, it’s when you switch that route to giving that you start living the values of the Franciscans …”

ROBIN G. WIATR, ‘00

Robin is a trailblazer in the law enforcement industry. She was the first female officer to be appointed to a K9 unit in the Central Intelligence Agency. In particular, she is an Explosives Detective. Her experiences with the CIA have brought her all over the world. Robin has completed twelve tours of the Middle East. She is currently stationed in Virginia.

“I am very proud to be a Hilbert graduate. As the first female K9 officer in the CIA, I know my experiences at Hilbert contributed greatly to my success.”

Robin graduated from our Criminal Justice program with a B.S. in 2000. Her current post is her second with the CIA. Robin previously served as a Security Protective Officer with the same agency, and also as a police officer with the Chesterfield County (VA) Police Department. However, working with a K9 unit has been her career goal. Congratulations on reaching it, Robin!